Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Spring 2024
AERO215 – Thermofluids
Section 02

Unraveling Fluid Dynamics: A Comprehensive

Exploration of the Bernoulli Equation and Its Applications

Contributions

Name ID Theory Conclusion

Real Life
Introduction and and Future
Applications
Derivation Implication
Amna
700013884
Mohammed
Hour
202110720
Alkaabi
Ezza Sidi
700040788
Ahmed
Naba
700040899
Osman

Submitted to:
Dr. John Chai Kiong

Submission Date:
25th April 2024

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Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................... 3

Theory and Derivation ....................................................................... 4

Aerospace Applications ......................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Conclusion and Future Implications ................................................... 11

References .................................................................................... 12

Introduction
In the 18th century, Daniel Bernoulli
was credited with creating the
principle known as the Bernoulli
equation, which has been significant
in fluid mechanics research ever
since. A key concept in fluid
mechanics, which mainly studies how
fluids behave and interact with their
surroundings, is the Bernoulli
principle. This formula is crucial to
many different disciplines, including
physics, environmental science, and
Page 2 of 13
engineering. It works well in particular situations with constant, incompressible
flow and little to no Fig.1 Daniel Bernoulli. Credit: http://www.fameimages.com/danielfrictional
bernoulli
force influence.[6]

The principle of Bernoulli's fundamental theory is the conservation of energy in a

steady, incompressible flow along a streamline. This concept states that the total
mechanical energy—which consists of pressure, potential, and kinetic energy—
per unit mass of a fluid stays constant throughout the flow path. Changes in one
form of energy are balanced out by corresponding changes in the other forms
when the fluid passes through areas of different height and velocity, maintaining
the total energy content.[7]

The Bernoulli principle's simplicity and refinement have made it a vital tool in
fluid mechanics, allowing scientists and engineers to forecast and evaluate fluid
behavior in a variety of applications. The Bernoulli principle offers a fundamental
framework for comprehending fluid flow and maximizing system performance in a
variety of contexts, including the design of airplane wings and the optimization of
water distribution networks. [8]

Though the Bernoulli principle provides insightful information, there are certain
restrictions on how it can be used. The assumption of inviscid flow, which ignores
fluid friction, is one important factor to take into account. This assumption might
not always be true, but it is true in many real-world situations, such as high-
speed airflow over streamlined bodies. Viscosity effects become important near
solid barriers and in flow separation areas, where they can change the fluid
dynamics in ways that are not well explained by the Bernoulli principle alone. [9]

Furthermore, misconceptions regarding fluid behavior result from a common

misinterpretation or misuse of the Bernoulli principle. Specifically, the concept is
occasionally incorrectly used to describe phenomena involving complex fluid
dynamics, like the lift produced by an airfoil or the flow characteristics of fluids in
curved pipes.[8]

Taking these factors into account, a thorough examination of the Bernoulli

principle, its underlying theories, and its applications is important. We may
improve our knowledge of fluid mechanics and create more precise predictive
models by closely analyzing the circumstances in which the principle holds true
and clarifying its limitations.

Through the use of a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates theoretical

analysis, computational simulations, and experimental validation, our research
endeavor seeks to investigate the Bernoulli principle in depth.

Theory and Derivation

Assumptions of Bernoulli’s equation:

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Bernoulli's equation is based on a few key assumptions that help simplify the
analysis of fluid flow [1][2][3]. These assumptions make it easier to analyze
complex fluid dynamics and apply conservation principles. Here are the
assumptions underlying Bernoulli's equation:

1. Steady Flow: The fluid flow is considered steady, which means the
properties of the fluid remain constant over time [1]. This simplifies the use
of steady-state conservation laws and will contribute in cancelling out time
dependent terms in the equation.
2. Negligible viscous effect: Viscosity is assumed to have a negligible impact
on the fluid flow, enabling the idealization of a non-viscous or "ideal" fluid
[1][2]

3. No shaft work: no shaft work done by any device is involved in the flow [3].
This assumption ensures that the conservation of energy principle is not
affected by any input or output work.
4. Incompressible flow: Compressible flow is defined as a fluid flow in which
the density changes significantly [5]. In contrast, incompressible flow
assumes that the fluid density remains constant, simplifying the equation.
5. Negligible heat transfer: Heat transfer between the fluid and its
surroundings is assumed to be negligible [1]. This eliminates the need to
account for energy changes due to heat transfer in the energy
conservation equation.
6. Flow along a streamline: he fluid flow is assumed to occur along a
streamline, which is the path a fluid particle follows [1] . This simplifies the
analysis by focusing on a single streamline rather than the entire flow
field.

Defining important variables:

As we will be proceeding to derive Bernoulli’s equation in the next subsection,

some important variables must be defined first:

𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚2)
𝝆 is the density of the fluid (

𝑷𝒙 is the pressure of the fluid at point 𝑥 (𝑃𝑎)

𝒈 is the acceleration of gravity on the surface of the earth at sea level

𝑚
which is 9.8 ⁄𝑠2

𝒛 is the elevation of the point above a reference level (𝑚)

Acceleration of a fluid particle:

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To derive the Bernoulli equation using Newton's second law, we must first
understand the acceleration of a fluid particle and find a mathematical equation
that represent it to be used later. In a steady flow, where the properties of the
fluid remains constant over time as mentioned earlier, all particles passing
through the same point follow the same path (the streamline), with velocity
vectors tangent to the path at every point.

For any particle undergoing curvilinear motion, 2 components of acceleration are

affecting it:

1. tangential acceleration (in this case, it is due to the change in speed along
the streamline so we will be calling it streamwise acceleration 𝒂𝒔 )
𝒗𝟐
2. normal acceleration 𝒂𝒏 = 𝑹, where R is the radius of curvature. The

normal acceleration is due to the change in direction.

Here we will be dealing with the streamwise acceleration only as it directly

impact the fluid flow along the streamline.

Even in steady flow, acceleration can occur, as seen in

a garden hose nozzle (Fig.
2). Steady flow simply implies no change with time at
a specified location, yet a quantity may change from
one location to another.

Mathematically, the acceleration of a fluid particle is

expressed as:
𝑑𝑣 𝜕𝑣𝑑𝑠 𝜕𝑣
= + (1)
𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑠𝑑𝑡 𝜕𝑡 Fig.2 - During steady flow, a fluid may not
accelerate in time at a fixed point, but it may
accelerate in space [4]
𝜕𝑣
In steady flow, = 0, so 𝑣 is a function of s, and the acceleration in the s-
𝜕𝑡

direction becomes:

𝑑𝑣 𝜕𝑣𝑑𝑠 𝜕𝑣 𝑑𝑣
𝑎𝑠 = 𝑑𝑡 = 𝜕𝑠𝑑𝑡 = 𝜕𝑠 𝑣 = 𝑑𝑠 𝑣 (2)

𝑑𝑠 where 𝑣 = if following a fluid particle moving along a

streamline. In steady
𝑑𝑡
[4]
flow, acceleration is due to the change of velocity with position .

Deriving the equation:

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We will be deriving the Bernoulli’s equation using newton’s second law of motion.
Therefore, a FBD (free body diagram) and a KD (kinetic diagram) are needed.
Both are shown in Fig.3 and Fig.4, respectively.

Fig.3 – FBD of a fluid particle moving along a streamline in normal tangential coordinates (the streamline shown in
Fig.4 – KD of a fluid particle moving along a streamline in normal blue) tangential coordinates (the streamline shown in
blue)

Applying newton’s second law in the tangential direction (s):

∑ 𝐹𝑠 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠 (3)

𝑃 𝑑𝐴 − (𝑃 + 𝑑𝑃) 𝑑𝐴 + 𝑊 sin(𝜙) = 𝑚 𝑣 𝑑𝑣 (4)

𝑑𝑠

𝑚 = 𝜌𝑉 = 𝜌 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑠 (5)

𝑊 = 𝑚𝑔 = 𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑠 (6)

sin(𝜙) = 𝑑𝑧 (7)
𝑑𝑠

Plugging 5, 6 & 7 in 4:
𝑑𝑧 𝑑𝑣
−𝑑𝑃 𝑑𝐴 − 𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑠 = 𝜌 𝑑𝐴 𝑑𝑠 𝑣 (8)
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠

Simplifying 8:

− 𝑑𝑃 − 𝜌𝑔 𝑑𝑧 = 𝜌 𝑣𝑑𝑣 (9)

We know that:

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 𝑣 𝑑𝑣 = 𝑑(𝑣2) (10)

Substituting (10) in (9) and dividing each term by 𝜌:

𝑑𝑃
+1 2
) + 𝑔 𝑑𝑧 = 0 (11)
𝑑(𝑣
𝜌 2

Integrating:

𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 (12)

since the last two terms are exact differentials. In the case of incompressible
flow, the first term also becomes an exact differential, and integration gives:
2
𝑃 𝑣
+ + 𝑔𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 (13)
𝜌 2

multiplying everything by 𝜌:

1
2
+ 𝜌𝑔𝑧 = 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡 (14)
𝑃 +𝜌𝑣
2

In the case of 2 different points on the same streamline the equations is:

𝑷𝟏 + 𝟐𝟏 𝝆𝝂𝟐𝟏 + 𝝆𝒈𝒛𝟏 = 𝑷𝟐 + 𝟐𝟏 𝝆𝝂𝟐𝟐 + 𝝆𝒈𝒛𝟐 (15)

The equation we derived shows how energy is conserved in fluids as they flow
along a streamline. This equation is useful for calculating things like velocity,
pressure, and height changes at different points along the streamline in fluid
mechanics scenarios. To put it simply, by deriving Bernoulli's equation, we've
shown how fundamental principles from physics and math can be used to study
fluid flow and energy conservation in a system.

Applications in Aerospace Industry

In this section we will be discussing various applications of Bernoulli equation in
the aerospace industry, with a main focus on jet pumps as they are integral to
cabin pressurization systems, ensuring passenger comfort and safety at high
altitudes. Additionally, we will briefly touch upon other applications, such as
airfoil design, lift generation, and propulsion systems, to highlight the broad
utility of Bernoulli's equation in aerospace engineering.
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• Jet pumps

Jet pumps are devices that use a

highspeed fluid to pump another fluid
to a higher pressure. Jet pumps consist
of components like a primary nozzle,
secondary fluid injectors, a mixing
chamber, a throat, and a diffuser. The
model described in the paper simulates
the flow of a two-phase primary fluid
that induces a secondary liquid (either
saturated or subcooled) injected into Fig.5- Jet pump for aircraft cabin pressurization system
the mixing chamber. It considers phase
transformations caused by compression, expansion, and mixing, as well
as temperature and pressure effects.

If it is assumed that in a steady state, the static pressure has the same value
at all points in the plane W, then (Bernoulli's equation):
𝟏 𝟏
𝑷𝟏 + 𝟐 𝝆𝝂𝟐𝟏 + 𝝆𝒈𝒛𝟏 = 𝑷𝟐 + 𝟐 𝝆𝝂𝟐𝟐 + 𝝆𝒈𝒛𝟐

The jet pump utilizes primary air bled from the aircraft's turbine engine
through a primary nozzle, while ambient air enters through a secondary
nozzle surrounding the primary one. These air streams mix in a tube before
being delivered to the aircraft cabin through a divergent section. The jet
pump operates autonomously to maintain a consistent air flow rate for
pressurizing the cabin across varying altitudes, without requiring additional
control devices.[10]

Bernoulli's principle states that in a flowing fluid, an increase in the speed of

the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or potential
energy. This principle is foundational to understanding how jet pumps work.

In a jet pump, high-speed primary fluid (often air) is ejected through a

primary nozzle. According to Bernoulli's principle, as this fluid accelerates, its
pressure decreases. This high-speed jet of primary fluid then entrains or
drags along surrounding fluid (often ambient air) as it moves through the
pump's mixing chamber. This entrainment increases the overall volume of
fluid being moved while further decreasing pressure due to the increased
speed of the combined flow.

As a result, the combined flow of primary and entrained fluid emerges from
the jet pump at a lower pressure but higher volume and velocity, making it
suitable for various applications such as cabin pressurization in aircraft or
pumping fluids in industrial processes.

Therefore, the operation of jet pumps relies on the principles outlined in

Bernoulli's equation, particularly the relationship between fluid velocity,
pressure, and flow. [11]
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 The jet pump utilizes high-pressure, high-temperature primary air to create a
high-speed jet from a primary nozzle. This jet mixes with ambient air in the
pump's mixing tube, resulting in a lower-velocity air flow at the outlet
suitable for cabin pressurization. By reducing the amount of primary air
needed from the engine compressor, the jet pump decreases the power
drawn from the engine for pressurizing the cabin. This efficiency allows more
engine power to be allocated to the primary task of flying the aircraft. [12]

• Airfoil design

Bernoulli's equation is crucial for understanding airflow around an airfoil,

aiding engineers in analyzing the pressure and velocity relationship across its
surface. By shaping airfoils strategically, engineers can manipulate pressure
distribution to optimize lift and minimize drag, resulting in more efficient
designs. Bernoulli's theorem suggests that the curved upper surface of an
airfoil causes air to move faster over it, leading to lower pressure compared
to the slower-moving air beneath. This pressure difference generates lift, a
vital force in flight, by creating an imbalance between high and low
pressures.[13]

Fig. 6- Airflow Simulation over an

Airfoil

• Lift generation

Bernoulli's equation reveals the crucial link between pressure and velocity,
pivotal in understanding how aircraft wings generate lift. As air passes over a
wing, the curved upper surface induces a longer path for airflow, causing it to
accelerate faster compared to the flat underside. According to Bernoulli's
equation, this accelerated flow translates into decreased pressure. The
resulting pressure disparity between the upper and lower wing surfaces
creates an upward force countering gravity, essential for flight. This lift-
generating mechanism, governed by Bernoulli's Principle, underscores the

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 significance of the airfoil's shape in facilitating flight for heavy objects like
airplanes. A straightforward experiment involving blowing air over a sheet of
paper offers a tangible illustration of this principle.[14]

Fig.7- Cross-section of a Wing Demonstrating Lift Generation

• Propulsion systems
Bernoulli's equation is instrumental in optimizing propulsion systems like propellers and turbines,
aiding engineers in understanding the intricate relationship between airflow pressure and velocity.
This understanding enables the design of propeller blades or turbine vanes to maximize pressure
differentials, enhancing propulsion efficiency. Moreover, Bernoulli's equation facilitates
comprehension of gas flow within engine combustion chambers, leading to advancements in
engine performance and efficiency. Practically, within the combustion zone, gases experience high
pressure but low velocity, which increases as they pass through the nozzle, where pressure
decreases. This process maximizes the conversion of combustion pressure into velocity, crucial for
achieving maximum thrust. In space applications, this principle is further leveraged by lowering
exhaust pressure to increase velocity and consequently thrust. Another perspective, not explicitly
using Bernoulli's equation, involves considering the gas dynamics within the nozzle, where high
pressure from the combustion chamber side propels gas outward, gaining speed in the process.[15]

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 Fig.7- powering flight through efficient design: A propeller driven by the principles of Bernoulli's equation

Conclusion and Future Implications

The Bernoulli principle, a fundamental framework in fluid mechanics, has
significant implications in various real-world situations. One such application is in
the field of aerodynamics, where the principle is used to explain the behaviour of
fluids in motion. For instance, the concept of streamlined flow, where fluid
particles move along smooth paths, is a direct result of Bernoulli's equation. In
incompressible flow, the equation helps in understanding how the total energy of
a fluid remains constant along a streamline. This conservation of energy principle
is crucial in optimizing system performance in engineering applications.

Looking ahead, the Bernoulli equation continues to play a vital role in various
industries. One area of interest is the study of frictional forces in fluid flow. By
considering the effects of viscosity on fluid behaviour, engineers can better
predict and control the performance of systems. The equation also aids in
debunking misconceptions about fluid dynamics, such as the belief that faster
flow always results in lower pressure. Understanding the nuances of Bernoulli's
equation can lead to more accurate predictions and improved designs.

In engineering, the Bernoulli equation is used extensively to analyze and design

fluid systems. For example, in the design of aircraft wings, engineers rely on the
principles of fluid mechanics to optimize lift and drag forces. By applying
Bernoulli's equation, they can calculate the pressure distribution over the wing
surface and make adjustments to improve aerodynamic performance.
Additionally, in the field of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), the
equation is used to determine airflow rates and pressure drops in ductwork.

Understanding the Bernoulli equation also has environmental implications,

especially in the study of natural phenomena like ocean currents and weather
patterns. By applying the principles of fluid dynamics, scientists can model the
behaviour of large-scale fluid systems and predict climate changes. The equation
helps in analyzing the impact of human activities on natural flows, such as the
effects of pollution on river currents or the dynamics of air pollution dispersion.

In conclusion, the Bernoulli equation is a powerful tool that has far-reaching

implications in various fields. From engineering applications to environmental
studies, the equation provides a framework for understanding fluid behaviour
and optimizing system performance. By delving deeper into the concepts of
conservation of energy, streamlined flow, and frictional forces, researchers and
engineers can continue to unlock new possibilities and improve our
understanding of the world around us.

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References
[1] White, F. M. (2016). Fluid Mechanics (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

[2] Munson, B. R., Young, D. F., & Okiishi, T. H. (2006). Fundamentals of Fluid
Mechanics (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

[3] Fox, R. W., & McDonald, A. T. (2015). Introduction to Fluid Mechanics (8th
ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

[4] Cengel, Y., Cimbala, J., & Ghajar, A. (2022). Fundamentals of Thermal-Fluid
Sciences (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

[5] Chai, J. C. (2024). Compressible Flow [Lecture notes]. Department of

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab
Emirates.

[6] Bernoulli’s Equation: Unveiling the Fundamentals of Fluid Dynamics |

Becu.com. (2023, July 30). Be-cu.com. https://be-cu.com/blog/bernoullis-
equation/

[7] 10 fun and interesting Daniel Bernoulli facts. (n.d.). https://www.10-

factsabout.com/daniel-bernoulli/id/1527#google_vignette

[8] Moore, J. (2023, June 5). Bernoulli’s Theorem: Explanation, Formula, and
Applications. Canute LLP. https://canutesoft.com/hydraulic-calculation-for-
fireprotection-engineers/bernoullis-theorem

[9] Bernoulli’s Principle and Equation – Flow Measurement.

(2023, November 2). Inst Tools.
https://instrumentationtools.com/bernoullis-principleand-equation/

[10] Marshall Space Flight Center Sherif, S.A.(Florida Univ. Gainesville, FL United
States) Hunt )(2013, January 1) publisher: American Inst. of Aeronautics
and Astronautics https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19980201088
[11] L Herr (2022, April)
https://patents.google.com/patent/US3842720A/en#citedBy

[12] J E T PUMP S by J.T. WILMAN (RCN) (1966)

https://aei.pitt.edu/91233/1/3253.pdf

[13] ED .R (February 1, 2020) https://www.scientificamerican.com/video/no-one-can-explain-

why-planes-stay-in-the-air/

[14] NASA (n.d.), principles of flight

https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bernoullis-principle-k-4-02-09-
17-508.pdf

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[15] James F. Marchman (n.d.), Propulsion,
https://eng.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Aerospace_Engineering/Aerodynamics_and_Aircraft_Perfo
rmance_(Marchman)/02%3A_Propulsion

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